If you ask travelers about their favorite memory in Jiufen, many won’t mention the food stalls or souvenir shops.
They’ll talk about the moment they sat down at a quiet Jiufen cafe, sipping tea while mist rolled across the mountains.
Jiufen is one of the most atmospheric villages in Taiwan. Lantern-lit staircases wind between old houses, narrow alleys smell of sweet taro balls, and nearly every corner hides a small Jiufen tea house or coffee shop.
But here’s something many first-time visitors don’t realize.
The best part of visiting Jiufen isn’t rushing through Jiufen Old Street. It’s slowing down, finding a hidden cafe, and enjoying the view over the Pacific Ocean.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Jiufen cafes and tea houses, including a few hidden spots most tourists never find.
Quick Guide to the Best Jiufen Cafes
| Cafe | Best For | View |
|---|---|---|
| A-Mei Tea House | Historic tea house | Mountain |
| Skyline Tea House | Sunset view | Ocean |
| Jiufen Teahouse | Cultural experience | Mountain |
| HIMA Cafe | Specialty coffee | Village |
| CHLIV Jiufen | Jiufen Latte | Minimalist |
Why Jiufen Became a Cafe and Tea House Town
Before it became one of Taiwan’s most famous tourist destinations, Jiufen was a gold mining town.
During the Japanese colonial period, thousands of miners lived here, working in the hills surrounding the village. Life was cold, wet, and foggy most of the year.
Naturally, tea culture developed.
Tea houses were places where miners could rest, warm up, and socialize after work. These early tea houses laid the foundation for the many Jiufen cafes and tea houses that exist today.
After the gold mines closed in the 1970s, Jiufen nearly faded away.
Then tourism arrived.
Movies, travel blogs, and social media helped revive the village. Many old houses were transformed into cafes, tea houses, and restaurants.
Today, visiting a Jiufen cafe with a mountain view is one of the most memorable experiences in northern Taiwan.
How to Get to Jiufen from Taipei (4 Easy Ways)
Jiufen is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei, located about 35 km northeast of the city. While the village is not directly connected by MRT, there are several ways to reach Jiufen.
However, because Jiufen sits high in the mountains, transportation can sometimes be confusing for first-time visitors.
Here are the four main ways travelers get to Jiufen from Taipei, along with the pros and cons of each option.
Bus
Buses from Taipei to Jiufen are inexpensive, but they can become very crowded on weekends and often involve standing for long periods.
During peak travel seasons, buses may also experience long lines.
Train + Bus
Taking the train to Ruifang and then transferring to a bus is another common route. While it’s relatively affordable, the transfer process can be confusing for travelers unfamiliar with Taiwan’s transport system.
Taxi
A taxi ride from Taipei to Jiufen takes around 45–60 minutes and offers more comfort than public transport.
Private Tour (Most Comfortable Option)
For many visitors, the easiest way to explore Jiufen is by joining a private Jiufen day tour from Taipei.
With hotel pickup, a local guide, and transportation included, travelers can relax and enjoy the scenic mountain views without worrying about bus transfers or crowded streets.
Many tours also combine Jiufen with nearby attractions such as Shifen Waterfall and Pingxi Sky Lantern, creating a full day of exploring northern Taiwan.
👉 Our Yehliu, Jiufen & Pingxi Private Day Tour is designed for travelers who want a comfortable and personalized experience.
1. A-Mei Tea House — The Most Iconic Jiufen Tea House
No list of Jiufen cafes is complete without A-Mei Tea House.
This historic tea house is probably the most photographed building in Jiufen. With its red lanterns glowing at night and wooden balconies overlooking the hills, it feels like something from another era.
Many travelers say the building resembles scenes from the famous animated film Spirited Away.
Inside, guests can experience a traditional Taiwanese tea service.
A typical visit includes:
- selecting a Taiwanese oolong tea
- learning the traditional brewing method
- enjoying snacks while overlooking the mountains
It’s not just a Jiufen tea house — it’s an experience.
2. Skyline Tea House (海悅樓) — One of the Best View Cafes in Jiufen
If you’re searching for a Jiufen cafe with the best view, Skyline Tea House is hard to beat.
The outdoor balcony faces the coastline, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Keelung Mountain.
On a clear day, you can sit with a pot of tea and watch clouds drift across the hills below.
This tea house is especially magical around sunset when the sky turns orange and lanterns begin to glow throughout Jiufen.
@kikihaveagoodtime 📍海悦楼景観茶坊 九份と言えばのあの美しい 阿妹茶楼を店内からゆっくりと眺めることができる穴場スポット お茶菓子と茶葉のセット だいたい2300円位🍵 夕暮れ時に合わせて予約したら 帰り際はライトアップされた街並みを楽しむことが出来るベストプラン🇹🇼 おすすめです #台湾#九份#海悦楼景観茶坊#海外旅行#Taipei#Taiwan #台湾グルメ#台湾旅行 ♬ colorblind – Mokita
3. Jiufen Teahouse — The Most Cultural Tea Experience
While many Jiufen cafes focus on views, Jiufen Teahouse focuses on culture.
The building itself is historic and filled with traditional art and ceramics. Walking inside feels a bit like stepping into a small museum.
Guests can enjoy a full Taiwanese tea ceremony while surrounded by antique teapots and artwork.
For travelers interested in Taiwan’s tea culture, this is easily one of the most authentic Jiufen tea houses.
4. HIMA Cafe — A Cozy Hidden Jiufen Coffee Shop
Not everyone wants tea.
Sometimes you just want a good latte.
HIMA Cafe is one of the best coffee-focused Jiufen cafes, offering specialty coffee in a relaxed setting just away from the busiest streets.
The cafe is known for:
- hand-brewed coffee
- homemade desserts
- a quiet atmosphere compared to Old Street
It’s the perfect place to recharge after climbing Jiufen’s many staircases.
5. CHLIV Jiufen — Specialty Coffee with Modern Design
CHLIV is a modern Jiufen coffee shop that attracts serious coffee lovers.
Unlike traditional tea houses, this cafe focuses on specialty coffee with carefully sourced beans and precise brewing methods.
The minimalist interior makes it stand out among the village’s historic buildings.
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, this Jiufen cafe is worth the stop.
What to Order at a Jiufen Cafe
One of the best parts of visiting a Jiufen cafe is discovering the drinks and desserts unique to Taiwan’s tea culture.
Most visitors expect coffee, but many Jiufen tea houses specialize in traditional Taiwanese tea, some of which grows in nearby mountain regions.
Here are a few popular drinks you’ll likely find when visiting a Jiufen cafe or tea house.
Taiwanese Oolong Tea
Taiwan is famous for its oolong tea, and many tea houses in Jiufen offer premium varieties.
Some popular options include:
- High Mountain Oolong (高山茶) – smooth and floral
- Dong Ding Oolong (凍頂烏龍) – roasted flavor with a rich aroma
- Baozhong Tea (包種茶) – lighter and fragrant
In many Jiufen tea houses, the tea is served with a traditional tea ceremony set, allowing guests to brew the leaves multiple times.
Hand-Drip Coffee
Modern Jiufen cafes have also embraced Taiwan’s growing specialty coffee scene.
Many cafes serve:
- pour-over coffee
- espresso drinks
- cold brew
Taiwanese baristas are known for their precision, so coffee lovers will find surprisingly high-quality drinks in this small mountain town.
Traditional Taiwanese Desserts
Most Jiufen cafes also serve desserts that pair perfectly with tea or coffee.
Common treats include:
- Taro balls (芋圓) – the most famous Jiufen dessert
- Pineapple cake
- Matcha desserts
- Cheesecake
Some tea houses also offer traditional snacks such as roasted peanuts or sweet potato sweets.
Best Cafes in Jiufen for Sunset Views
Jiufen cafes is especially magical around sunset.
As the sun sets over the mountains, lanterns begin to glow and the narrow streets become even more atmospheric.
Some Jiufen cafes offer particularly beautiful sunset views.
Skyline Tea House
This Jiufen cafes is one of the best places to watch the sunset because the balcony faces the ocean.
Visitors can enjoy tea while watching the sun disappear behind the mountains.
A-Mei Tea House Balcony
Many travelers visit A-Mei Tea House at night, but the late afternoon view from the balcony is also incredible.
Soft golden light fills the valley and the mountains slowly fade into mist.
Jiufen Teahouse Terrace
The terrace here offers a peaceful environment for sunset tea drinking, away from the crowds.
How to Do a Jiufen Cafe Hopping Experience
If you love cafes, Jiufen is the perfect place for a slow travel cafe hopping experience.
Because the village is small, you can easily visit several cafes in a single afternoon.
Here’s a simple Jiufen cafes hopping route many travelers enjoy.
Stop 1: Coffee Break at HIMA Cafe
Start with a coffee at HIMA Cafe to energize yourself after arriving in Jiufen.
Enjoy a latte and relax before exploring the village.
Stop 2: Explore Jiufen Old Street
Walk through the famous Jiufen Old Street, trying snacks like:
- taro balls
- peanut ice cream rolls
- fish balls
This is one of Taiwan’s most famous food streets.
Stop 3: Tea Experience at Jiufen Teahouse
After the busy street, visit Jiufen Teahouse for a peaceful tea ceremony experience.
The atmosphere here is calm and cultural.
Stop 4: Sunset Tea at Skyline Tea House
Finish your cafe hopping with sunset tea overlooking the ocean.
This is easily one of the most memorable Jiufen cafe experiences.
The History Behind Jiufen’s Tea Culture
Understanding Jiufen’s history helps explain why there are so many tea houses and Jiufen cafes here today.
During the late 1800s, gold was discovered in the surrounding mountains.
Thousands of miners moved to the area, and Jiufen quickly grew into a bustling mining town.
Because the climate in the mountains is cool and rainy, tea drinking became common among the workers.
Small tea houses began appearing throughout the village, offering warm drinks and a place to socialize.
Even after the gold mines closed, the tea culture remained.
👉 Explore Jiufen’s flavors, uncover mining history, and soak in coastal vistas on a 8-hour golden adventure tour.
Today, many Jiufen cafes and tea houses continue the tradition by serving Taiwanese tea in historic buildings.
This blend of history and atmosphere is part of what makes Jiufen such a special place.
You might also be interested in famous Taiwanese boba milk teas.
Best Time to Visit a Jiufen Cafe
Jiufen can become crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
The best times to enjoy a peaceful Jiufen cafe experience are:
Morning
The village is quiet before tour buses arrive. Mist often covers the mountains, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.
Late Afternoon
The golden hour light is beautiful for photos, and many Jiufen cafes offer incredible sunset views.
Evening
After sunset, lanterns illuminate the streets and Jiufen becomes incredibly atmospheric.
This is when the famous tea houses and Jiufen cafes truly shine.
Photo Spots Near Jiufen Cafes
If you’re visiting Jiufen for photography, many of the best photo spots are located near famous Jiufen cafes.
Here are a few iconic locations.
A-Mei Tea House Staircase
This lantern-lined staircase is one of the most photographed spots in Jiufen.
It becomes especially magical after sunset.
Jiufen Old Street Lanterns
The narrow street filled with red lanterns is another iconic scene.
Early evening is the best time for photos.
Viewpoints Near Skyline Tea House
The area near Skyline Tea House offers sweeping views of the coastline and mountains.
On clear days you can see far across the Pacific Ocean.
Tips for Visiting Jiufen Cafes
Here are a few practical tips to help you enjoy the best Jiufen cafes experience.
Visit Early or Late
Jiufen becomes very crowded between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Morning or evening visits are much more enjoyable.
Bring Cash
Some smaller Jiufen cafes only accept cash.
Expect Stairs
Jiufen is built on a mountainside, so reaching many cafes requires climbing stairs.
Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
Why Many Travelers Visit Jiufen with a Private Tour
Jiufen is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei, but it can be confusing to reach by public transportation.
Many visitors choose to visit Jiufen with a private guide, which makes the experience much easier.
A typical Jiufen private tour includes:
- transportation from Taipei
- guided walk through Jiufen Old Street
- recommendations for the best Jiufen cafes and tea houses
- visits to nearby attractions like Shifen Waterfall and Pingxi
Travelers often combine Jiufen with the Shifen Sky Lantern experience, making it one of the most memorable days in northern Taiwan.
👉 You can explore Jiufen with our Jiufen & Pingxi Private Day Tour, which includes local guides who know the best hidden cafes and viewpoints.
👉 Also many travelers book this experience as part of a Keelung Shore Excursion to Jiufen.
Jiufen Cafe FAQ
Are there good coffee shops in Jiufen?
Yes. While Jiufen is famous for tea houses, there are also several excellent Jiufen Cafes shops including HIMA Cafe and CHLIV Jiufen.
What is the most famous Jiufen tea house?
A-Mei Tea House is the most famous tea house in Jiufen and one of the most photographed buildings in Taiwan.
Are Jiufen cafes expensive?
Tea houses tend to be slightly more expensive because they include a traditional tea ceremony experience, but coffee shops are generally affordable.
What time do Jiufen cafes open?
Most Jiufen cafes open between 10 AM and 11 AM, though hours vary by location.
Final Thoughts: Jiufen Is Taiwan’s Most Atmospheric Cafe Town
Few places in Taiwan combine history, mountain scenery, and tea culture quite like Jiufen.
The village’s steep stairways and lantern-lit alleys create an atmosphere that feels almost timeless.
But the real magic happens when you sit down at a Jiufen cafe, order a cup of tea or coffee, and take in the view.
Whether you choose a traditional tea house or a modern coffee shop, visiting a cafe in Jiufen is one of the most memorable travel experiences in Taiwan.
So take your time, explore the hidden alleys, and enjoy one of the most charming cafe towns in Asia.
Why not join one of Justaiwantour‘s Jiufen tour, for example, private Jiufen night tour.
👉 If you have 3 days in Taipei city, try this 3 days Taipei itinerary, which includes Jiufen Old Street.